Storm hits Mexico’s Pacific coast as forecasters warn of flash floods

Forecasters have warned of heavy rain and flash floods as tropical storm hit Mexico's southern Pacific coast on Tuesday, the US-based National Hurricane Centre disclosed.

Speaking further about the climate disorder by the ongoing floods, the centre said, “Slow-moving storm will bring very heavy rainfall to coastal areas of southwest Mexico throughout the week.

“This rainfall is likely to cause significant and potentially catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides in the southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero."

Authorities have called on residents to seek shelter in a safer region as strong winds and rain battered beaches ahead of John’s landfall near Marquelia in Guerrero.

According to an update by the NHC, maximum sustained winds had decreased to around 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour, after previously reaching over 120 mph.

A tropical storm warning was in place from east of Acapulco to Lagunas de Chacahua on the Pacific coast, the NHC added.

“Further rapid weakening is expected, and John is likely to become a tropical depression later today,” the NHC said.

Through Thursday, John is forecasted to produce up to 15 inches of rain in parts of Chiapas, and nearly double that amount in some areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

“John is producing extraordinary rainfall (greater than 250 mm or 9.8 inches) in Oaxaca and Guerrero; torrential rain is affecting Chiapas,” the National Civil Protection agency stated in a post on X early Tuesday.

The agency, however, advised people to stay indoors and avoid windows.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador also urged coastal residents to be prepared.

“Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and remember that life is the most important thing; material items can be replaced,” he wrote on X.

School, beaches shutdown following rising storm

Authorities in Oaxaca reported that temporary shelters were being opened, schools were being closed, beaches were being shut, and machinery was being mobilised in case road clearance was necessary.

In Guerrero, schools were also closed on Tuesday, according to the state education agency on X.

The international airport in the tourist resort of Puerto Escondido suspended all flights.

Hurricanes affect Mexico every year on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts, usually between May and November.

AFP